Malaria

Malaria is a protozoal infection caused by the bite of anopheles mosquito. There are four species of plasmodium viz. Plasmodium falciparum, plasmodium oval, plasmodium vivax, and plasmodium Malariae that cause human infection. The most severe infection is caused by the plasmodium falciparum. The signs and symptoms, diagnosis and management of malaria have been explained below in detail.

Signs and symptoms of Malaria

The patients present with the following signs and symptoms.

• Fever
• Malaise
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Unconscious
• Coma

Malaria Test for Diagnosis

A physician can ask for gimesa Stain thick and thin film along with other investigation to diagnose malaria.

• Gimesa stain thick and thin film- thick film determine the parasite and thin film determines specie and count of the parasite
• PCR
• Immunochromatographic rapid diagnostic test

Malaria Treatment

Co-artemither is a drug of choice for the management of malaria, whereas in severe malaria artesunate and mafloquine are preferred. Other drugs such as quinine and proguanil are also used in the management of malaria.